The Smorgasbord Radio Show

The SmorgShow Podcast originates from the Chris and Dave Smorgasbord radio show which originally aired on suburban Chicago high school radio station WDGC-FM between 1982-1984. The show was known at the time for its edginess for a high school radio program. Chris and Dave’s all-talk format broke the mold by deviating from the station’s rock genre and often pushed the boundaries of acceptable community standards.

In 2010, we dusted off the Smorgasbord brand name and Chris paired up with his daughter, Ally to create a new podcast series staying true to the original spirit and variety format of the old radio show.

smor·gas·bord\ˈsmȯr-gəs-ˌbȯrd\: a luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes.

The term ‘Smorgasbord’, as used here, is not meant to imply the show is related to food in any way and is certainly not a cooking show. Instead, the term used to suggest that we are ‘serving up’ a variety of programming elements, crossing many genres and formats – comedy, news, drama, current events and occasionally even stepping into the conspiracy realm. While Seinfeld was said to be “a show about nothing”, the SmorgShow Podcast is a show about anything.

After serving as co-host and contributing to nearly 100 episodes, Ally grew up and flew the coop, leaving Chris to fend for himself. Subsequently, Chris rejoined with original Smorgasbord Radio Show co-host Dave Jackson as well as Jerry Malauskas who currently serves as the show’s Chief Conspiracy Correspondent (CCC). And let’s not forget ‘Master of the Wide Open Spaces Between the Ears’, Baba Gonesh – who after 40 years of being featured on our show, still serves as our International News Correspondent, sending his views and breaking news directly from his homeland of India.

With the unexpected passing of Dave in 2024, the show entered unchartered territory. In October 2024, Chris made the difficult decision to end the show after 42 years. Although Dave likely would have wanted us to continue on without him, the Smorgasbord brand name does not hold up without one of its co-founders. Instead, Chris and Jerry will be launching a new spin-off podcast series in January 2025 called ‘Chris and Jerry’s Supper Club‘.

Dave Jackson

March 4, 1965 – April 26, 2024

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my best friend and creative collaborator for 40+ years, Dave Jackson. I have so many fond memories of our times together behind a microphone, talking about the hot topics of the day or just complete nonsense. Dave leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter and unique wisdom in all the episodes that featured him.

The Smorgasbord Show will not be the same without you, Dave. I love you, my brother. Until we meet again.

– Chris